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Saudi Arabia

Young people in Saudi Arabia face one of the most repressive media environments in the Arab World. Censorship is rife and the press is state-dominated. Internet is restricted. The government has cracked down on activists calling for political reform and improved human rights, including women’s rights.

Facts

Population: 28.7m

Official language: Arabic

Freedom of the Press score: not free (score 84)

Politics

Kingdom, Al Saud dynasty is in power, political parties are not permitted, rentier state (no taxation- no representation)

In 2013, King appointed 30 women to the previously all male Shura council

One of the main players in the Arabic world, ally of US in the region

Social/Economic

One of the wealthiest countries in the region due to oil resources (25% of the world’s reserves)

Civil society movements for more democracy are repressed, limited rights for women

Very repressive media environment; press law prohibits any reporting that may lead to disunity or sedition, female journalists are allowed to report only on issues related to family, women and children

44% of the population is online, social media challenge the severe restrictions, there are about 10.000 active bloggers